Maximizing solar energy efficiency: Optimized DC power conversion for resistive loads

This paper investigates the integration of photovoltaic (PV) energy systems with a DC power converter based on a boost converter designed to optimize the power output for resistive loads such as heat elements for heat generation applications. Emphasizing the role of boost converters in increasing the output voltage of PV systems to efficiently supply resistive loads, the performance and efficiency of this integration is evaluated. The work also addresses the basic principles, control strategies and efficiency considerations associated with the fusion of solar PV systems with synchronous boost converters for resistive load applications. The results demonstrate a peak efficiency of 97%, which decreases to 90.5%, 87.5%, and 84% for resistive loads of 10Ω, 15Ω, and 20Ω, respectively at 80W and for a switching frequency of 60KHz. This indicates that efficiency declines as the value of the resistive load increases. Additionally, the results exhibit a notable efficiency increase of 4.6% by simply raising the switching frequency from 20KHz to 100KHz. Through extensive testing, we have substantiated the effectiveness of employing synchronous boost converters to optimize power output and enhance the overall performance of PV systems when supplying resistive heat elements.